Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease globally, including in Korea, where it accounts for approximately 50% of all renal replacement therapy cases. Despite various identified risk factors, the specific factors accelerating DKD progression in Korean patients remain unclear. Traditional studies, while useful in predicting renal outcomes through numerous biomarkers, face inherent limitations. In response, recent efforts have adopted an integrated approach to study the pathogenesis of DKD, aiming to surpass these limitations by requiring diverse, invasive human samples. Initiated to explore the clinical characteristics specific to Korean diabetic patients, the K-DKD cohort study has enrolled 1,500 patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) above 30 ml/min across 15 institutions. Patients are categorized based on albuminuria levels, and the study collects comprehensive clinical data including epidemiological information, medication usage, diet, comorbidities, and hospitalization records. Biological samples such as DNA, serum, plasma, and urine are also gathered for advanced research. Clinical updates are scheduled annually, with biennial collections of certain biological samples. This structured approach aims to enhance our understanding of DKD in Korean populations and develop targeted interventions.